Calling all London, York, and Cardiff MeFites! February 5, 2010 2:20 AM Subscribe
Hello London, York, and Cardiff MeFites...I want to meet you!
I'll be traveling to the UK from the 5-15th of March and I'd love to plan some meetups with y'all*. I'll be in the following cities on these dates:
6 & 7 March, London
8 & 9 March, Cardiff
11 & 12 March, York
13 March, London
Also, any travel tips or sightseeing opportunities...please share! I may be living in one of your fine cities soon, and I am trying to see as much as I can while I'm visiting.
*Have you figured out a 2nd person plural pronoun yet? We're struggling over here. What you got?
I'll be traveling to the UK from the 5-15th of March and I'd love to plan some meetups with y'all*. I'll be in the following cities on these dates:
6 & 7 March, London
8 & 9 March, Cardiff
11 & 12 March, York
13 March, London
Also, any travel tips or sightseeing opportunities...please share! I may be living in one of your fine cities soon, and I am trying to see as much as I can while I'm visiting.
*Have you figured out a 2nd person plural pronoun yet? We're struggling over here. What you got?
Unfortunately...I'll be in Amsterdam the weekend of the 6th and 7th otherwise I'd love to meetup.
What part of town are you staying in?
posted by vacapinta at 3:29 AM on February 5, 2010
What part of town are you staying in?
posted by vacapinta at 3:29 AM on February 5, 2010
And what frisky business have you got planned for the 10th, eh?
posted by i_cola at 3:41 AM on February 5, 2010
posted by i_cola at 3:41 AM on February 5, 2010
HEY! I WORK IN YORK NOW!
...and my first baby is due on the 11th.
However, fates allowing, I will be your (low quality) guide to York.
Best not to bank on those fates allowing shit, though.
posted by Jofus at 3:56 AM on February 5, 2010
...and my first baby is due on the 11th.
However, fates allowing, I will be your (low quality) guide to York.
Best not to bank on those fates allowing shit, though.
posted by Jofus at 3:56 AM on February 5, 2010
York is a gorgeous city. I would be glad to make the journey there on either day.
(Walk the walls! Tha must do this while tha's there!)
*Have you figured out a 2nd person plural pronoun yet? We're struggling over here. What you got?
Huh? Yeah, it's "you". What's tha talking about?
posted by Sova at 4:16 AM on February 5, 2010
(Walk the walls! Tha must do this while tha's there!)
*Have you figured out a 2nd person plural pronoun yet? We're struggling over here. What you got?
Huh? Yeah, it's "you". What's tha talking about?
posted by Sova at 4:16 AM on February 5, 2010
2nd person plural pronoun
That's a perfectly fine reason to move across the pond and emigrate. (Almost?) all European languages have a plural 2nd person. Dutch, German, French etc etc. Even better; we also have a polite deferent form for 2nd person. It's just English that's deficient in this respect it seems.
Say fuck you to the worldwide hegemony of the English language and join us. Talk 'in code' (i.e. any other language than English) when your old friends are around! Loads of fun.
posted by joost de vries at 2:25 PM on February 5, 2010
That's a perfectly fine reason to move across the pond and emigrate. (Almost?) all European languages have a plural 2nd person. Dutch, German, French etc etc. Even better; we also have a polite deferent form for 2nd person. It's just English that's deficient in this respect it seems.
Say fuck you to the worldwide hegemony of the English language and join us. Talk 'in code' (i.e. any other language than English) when your old friends are around! Loads of fun.
posted by joost de vries at 2:25 PM on February 5, 2010
I live in York at the moment, and I'm in for a meet-up and a spot of sightseeing.
At the moment, I'm currently experimenting with "all-o-y'all", and am finding it profoundly unsatisfactory.
posted by hydatius at 3:54 AM on February 6, 2010
At the moment, I'm currently experimenting with "all-o-y'all", and am finding it profoundly unsatisfactory.
posted by hydatius at 3:54 AM on February 6, 2010
Who would have known there were so many York Mefites?
Unfortunately this York resident works in London during the week - however if you'd like a little guided tour on the Friday night, historic buildings etc...
posted by hardcode at 9:28 AM on February 6, 2010
Unfortunately this York resident works in London during the week - however if you'd like a little guided tour on the Friday night, historic buildings etc...
posted by hardcode at 9:28 AM on February 6, 2010
I would be up for a London meetup on the 13th of March.
posted by sueinnyc at 6:34 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by sueinnyc at 6:34 PM on February 6, 2010
I'm near Cardiff and could probably be there (daytime) on the 8th or 9th.
Cardiff can't match the attractions of London, and isn't as picturesque as York, but the waterfront is worth a look; as is the National Museum of Wales. And there are castles nearby (both genuine and fake).
And Welsh has a perfectly good 2nd-person-plural pronoun (only I can't speak the language myself).
posted by misteraitch at 1:00 AM on February 7, 2010
Cardiff can't match the attractions of London, and isn't as picturesque as York, but the waterfront is worth a look; as is the National Museum of Wales. And there are castles nearby (both genuine and fake).
And Welsh has a perfectly good 2nd-person-plural pronoun (only I can't speak the language myself).
posted by misteraitch at 1:00 AM on February 7, 2010
i_cola: "3And what frisky business have you got planned for the 10th, eh"
Not so frisky, but on the 10th I'll be spending all day/afternoon at Cardiff University, meeting with professors and students and whatnot (I got into their PhD program in Linguistics, yay!) and so I want to keep that day/evening open.
Let's do a 9th Cardiff meetup, an 11th York meetup, and a 13th London meetup. Now as to exactly where...I haven't made any hotel/hostel/lodging arrangements for any parts of my trip yet (AskMe's sure to come on that), so as long as it's somewhere relatively easy to get to, and safe to be at, I'm happy to let y'all decide. Say when and where and I'll be there!
misteraitch, I love the idea of checking out the waterfront, and maybe a real castle or two!
When in York...yes, let's walk some walls! And then maybe some food and drinks afters? hardcode, a Friday evening tour might be a fun possibility too - not sure how long on Friday I'll be spending at Univ. of York that day/afternoon just yet, but I'll know soon enough.
London...no clue what to do, but I'm happy to grab some food and drinks in whatever fun little part of town you MeFites desire to be finding yourselves!
I'll sidebar all of these once we start firming up some locations. :)
posted by iamkimiam at 3:50 PM on February 7, 2010
Not so frisky, but on the 10th I'll be spending all day/afternoon at Cardiff University, meeting with professors and students and whatnot (I got into their PhD program in Linguistics, yay!) and so I want to keep that day/evening open.
Let's do a 9th Cardiff meetup, an 11th York meetup, and a 13th London meetup. Now as to exactly where...I haven't made any hotel/hostel/lodging arrangements for any parts of my trip yet (AskMe's sure to come on that), so as long as it's somewhere relatively easy to get to, and safe to be at, I'm happy to let y'all decide. Say when and where and I'll be there!
misteraitch, I love the idea of checking out the waterfront, and maybe a real castle or two!
When in York...yes, let's walk some walls! And then maybe some food and drinks afters? hardcode, a Friday evening tour might be a fun possibility too - not sure how long on Friday I'll be spending at Univ. of York that day/afternoon just yet, but I'll know soon enough.
London...no clue what to do, but I'm happy to grab some food and drinks in whatever fun little part of town you MeFites desire to be finding yourselves!
I'll sidebar all of these once we start firming up some locations. :)
posted by iamkimiam at 3:50 PM on February 7, 2010
I'd be v happy to pop over to York that evening. Prob won't be able to get over in time for post-work wall walking but definitely can do later on, if food/drink/revelry are to happen.
posted by thoughtless at 5:05 AM on February 8, 2010
posted by thoughtless at 5:05 AM on February 8, 2010
York wall-walkers...Thursday, 11th March...How about we meet at around 2:00pm/14:00 and walk leisurely for a couple hours, winding up at a good pub/eatery to join the after-work MeFite crowd?
Can somebody suggest a good, relatively easy-to-get-to starting point for walking? What about an enjoyable place to end up?
posted by iamkimiam at 11:52 PM on February 11, 2010
Can somebody suggest a good, relatively easy-to-get-to starting point for walking? What about an enjoyable place to end up?
posted by iamkimiam at 11:52 PM on February 11, 2010
Or maybe we should get a later start on the walking, I don't know?
posted by iamkimiam at 11:54 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by iamkimiam at 11:54 PM on February 11, 2010
I'd love to join in the fun on the 11th: the very first York Mefi meet-up, I think. I don't think I'll be able to get out of work until five-ish, though, I'm afraid, so I might have to miss out on the wall walking. I'm guessing you've seen the walls website; I'd say the best stretch is Bootham Bar to Monk Bar, because of the outstanding views of the Minster, although the stretch from Mickelgate Bar to Skeldergate isn't bad either and you end up not far from Clifford's Tower.
For food/gin/etc. I might say The Evil Eye Lounge, which is a favoured haunt, but it's mainly a Thai food 'n' strong drink-type place, which may not be rocking the cosy English pub food 'n' ale-vibe you might possibly be after. I'm open to all suggestions of those who're doing the wall-walking...
posted by hydatius at 5:25 AM on February 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
For food/gin/etc. I might say The Evil Eye Lounge, which is a favoured haunt, but it's mainly a Thai food 'n' strong drink-type place, which may not be rocking the cosy English pub food 'n' ale-vibe you might possibly be after. I'm open to all suggestions of those who're doing the wall-walking...
posted by hydatius at 5:25 AM on February 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
I've lived here for 30 years of my life and I'm a collector of books on York history so a) I may be biased and b) I can bore the legs off you with history, anecdotes and trivia. So forgive me.
So, pubs. There used to be a pub within the walls here for every day of the year. Now there are fewer, and the quality does vary but we still have a lot of good boozers. If you've never been to an English pub this article by Kate Fox (previously) may be of use. So, a brief list of good establishments:
The Blue Bell, Fossgate
In my opinion the best pub in York/Yorkshire, but there again I've been a customer for 20+ years. Classic Edwardian interior. Smallest pub in York. Gets very busy.
The Golden Ball, Cromwell Road, Bishophill
Out of the way a little but close enough to Baille Hill Tower on the walls to be a good bet. Classic corner 1920's exterior. Nice friendly spot for a break from the walls.
The Swan, Clementhorpe
Not far from the Golden Ball. Good range of beers. Laid out in a "West Riding" way with a large drinking corridor area.
Brigantes, Micklegate
Keep going clockwise around the walls from the Ball and the Swan and you'll find yourself at Micklegate Bar (one of the stone gates into the walled area of the city). A bad area late at night and full of bad pubs, but about halfway down you'll find this modern conversion to a pub. Great range of beers and has a reputation for good food. (Although a few doors away is the best Thai restaurant in York, Old Siam, so I'd go there instead.)
The Rook and Gaskill, Lawrence Street
The other side of the walls, just up from Walmgate Bar. Quiet during the day, but busy later on. Great spot, good music and some of the consistently best kept beer in town (not to criticise the others of course, I'd be kicked out next time I went in!). Owned by Castle Rock Brewery of Nottingham. Good beers, good staff and a nice laid back atmosphere.
To come soon:
History
Restaurants
Hotels
And anything else you need!
R
posted by hardcode at 10:08 AM on February 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
So, pubs. There used to be a pub within the walls here for every day of the year. Now there are fewer, and the quality does vary but we still have a lot of good boozers. If you've never been to an English pub this article by Kate Fox (previously) may be of use. So, a brief list of good establishments:
The Blue Bell, Fossgate
In my opinion the best pub in York/Yorkshire, but there again I've been a customer for 20+ years. Classic Edwardian interior. Smallest pub in York. Gets very busy.
The Golden Ball, Cromwell Road, Bishophill
Out of the way a little but close enough to Baille Hill Tower on the walls to be a good bet. Classic corner 1920's exterior. Nice friendly spot for a break from the walls.
The Swan, Clementhorpe
Not far from the Golden Ball. Good range of beers. Laid out in a "West Riding" way with a large drinking corridor area.
Brigantes, Micklegate
Keep going clockwise around the walls from the Ball and the Swan and you'll find yourself at Micklegate Bar (one of the stone gates into the walled area of the city). A bad area late at night and full of bad pubs, but about halfway down you'll find this modern conversion to a pub. Great range of beers and has a reputation for good food. (Although a few doors away is the best Thai restaurant in York, Old Siam, so I'd go there instead.)
The Rook and Gaskill, Lawrence Street
The other side of the walls, just up from Walmgate Bar. Quiet during the day, but busy later on. Great spot, good music and some of the consistently best kept beer in town (not to criticise the others of course, I'd be kicked out next time I went in!). Owned by Castle Rock Brewery of Nottingham. Good beers, good staff and a nice laid back atmosphere.
To come soon:
History
Restaurants
Hotels
And anything else you need!
R
posted by hardcode at 10:08 AM on February 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
iamkimiam: I dont know how set up you are in regards to housing in London. Let me know if you need recommendations on places to stay.
posted by vacapinta at 1:56 PM on February 15, 2010
posted by vacapinta at 1:56 PM on February 15, 2010
For MeFi's very first meetup, I propose this:
Let's meet at 2:00 (14:00) and do the Bootham Bar to Monk Bar stretch of the walls. Then how about we head to the Rook and Gaskill on 12 Lawrence street, 5:30 to ....? This sounds so fun; can't wait!
As soon as somebody else says they're down with part or all of the plan, I'll sidebar it!
posted by iamkimiam at 10:06 AM on February 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Let's meet at 2:00 (14:00) and do the Bootham Bar to Monk Bar stretch of the walls. Then how about we head to the Rook and Gaskill on 12 Lawrence street, 5:30 to ....? This sounds so fun; can't wait!
As soon as somebody else says they're down with part or all of the plan, I'll sidebar it!
posted by iamkimiam at 10:06 AM on February 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
vacapinta: Yes! Your suggestions (or anybody else's) would be most welcome! I'm so swamped lately, and have barely found a moment to plan this trip. I currently have no lodging arrangements figured out for London, York or Cardiff, but will start looking into it soon (I kind of have to eventually!) Frankly, London is so big and intimidating, I don't know where to start.
If somebody could recommend an area/street/neighborhood in London that is safe, easy to get around in and inexepensive, I'll look into it. And then we can plan the London meetup details for the 13th. too!
Also, since I'm flying in/out of London Heathrow, I'll be there for both ends of my trip. I was thinking it might be fun to check out different areas!
posted by iamkimiam at 10:20 AM on February 17, 2010
If somebody could recommend an area/street/neighborhood in London that is safe, easy to get around in and inexepensive, I'll look into it. And then we can plan the London meetup details for the 13th. too!
Also, since I'm flying in/out of London Heathrow, I'll be there for both ends of my trip. I was thinking it might be fun to check out different areas!
posted by iamkimiam at 10:20 AM on February 17, 2010
Cardiff people! How about we meet at the Waterfront*, let's say at one of the Mermaid Quay eateries (TBD) at 2:00 (14:00) on the 9th? We can grab a bite and then go explore. Then, with any luck, we'll get thee to a pub later on perhaps?
If somebody can confirm (or makes a suggestion/clarification), I'll sidebar this one too!
*The leaflet PDF on the website (left sidebar) is pretty helpful for seeing what's there and what we might want to get into.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:34 AM on February 17, 2010
If somebody can confirm (or makes a suggestion/clarification), I'll sidebar this one too!
*The leaflet PDF on the website (left sidebar) is pretty helpful for seeing what's there and what we might want to get into.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:34 AM on February 17, 2010
Unfortunately my current Tuesday timetable doesn't afford me as much flexibility as I thought it might: as it looks now I think I can be in Cardiff between about 12:00 and 14:30, so a slightly earlier lunch would be better for me. I also thought one of the Mermaid Quay places might be a good choice, although I've not been to any of them myself & can't vouch for their quality... I used to live in Cardiff but it's been over ten years & I hardly recognise the place now.
posted by misteraitch at 12:40 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by misteraitch at 12:40 AM on February 18, 2010
How about 12:30 then? I have the whole day free, so I'm flexible. What do you think of meeting at Salt in Mermaid Quay? It looks decent...anybody been there? I have no idea what's a chain and what's not, and whether that's a good or bad thing if so, etc.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:02 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by iamkimiam at 1:02 AM on February 18, 2010
Salt's reasonably nice; it's a bit expensive, depending on what you get, but so's everything down the bay. There're loads of places to go, so if it turns out not to suit we can move on somewhere else, or even head back into town. See youse there.
posted by Dim Siawns at 1:28 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by Dim Siawns at 1:28 AM on February 18, 2010
I'll be at The Rook at 5:30pm on the 11th. I'll try to get out of work as soon as I can. I'll even try to bunk off the afternoon and do the walk wall with y'all, but at this stage I can't be sure.
posted by hydatius at 1:55 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by hydatius at 1:55 AM on February 18, 2010
12:30 @Salt is good for me.
posted by misteraitch at 2:22 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by misteraitch at 2:22 AM on February 18, 2010
Me, the Rook, 11th, 5.30, pint of cider, done.
posted by thoughtless at 3:47 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by thoughtless at 3:47 AM on February 18, 2010
Me, in London on the 11th. Bother. See you Friday night for a beverage or two?
posted by hardcode at 7:37 AM on February 18, 2010
posted by hardcode at 7:37 AM on February 18, 2010
I may well be able to make it to York on that day. I know a ton of history! Most of it is made up, but hey, let's not quibble.
(Also: if you're doing to touristy thing, visit Holy Trinity on Goodramgate. I've been to hundreds of churches, and it's easily among the best non-cathedral experiences you're going to find.)
posted by Sova at 6:57 AM on February 23, 2010
(Also: if you're doing to touristy thing, visit Holy Trinity on Goodramgate. I've been to hundreds of churches, and it's easily among the best non-cathedral experiences you're going to find.)
posted by Sova at 6:57 AM on February 23, 2010
I won't be there. But having been *very* drunk in York (the first one!) all I can say is I am insanely jealous.
posted by eriko at 10:19 PM on February 26, 2010
posted by eriko at 10:19 PM on February 26, 2010
It's the very first York meetup!
(and I suppose, it could be referential, so as not to be confused with the new York.)
posted by iamkimiam at 8:02 PM on March 1, 2010
(and I suppose, it could be referential, so as not to be confused with the new York.)
posted by iamkimiam at 8:02 PM on March 1, 2010
Also, Sova, I hope you can make it!
I'm skipping "Goverment of the European Union" with a hunky German just for you.
posted by Sova at 11:59 AM on March 5, 2010
I'm skipping "Goverment of the European Union" with a hunky German just for you.
posted by Sova at 11:59 AM on March 5, 2010
London, the 13th; I still want to meet up! I'm staying at the YHA on Bolsover St., near Great Portland St. tube station, Bloomsbury area. Know any good pubs around there? Let's do it!
posted by iamkimiam at 4:54 AM on March 7, 2010
posted by iamkimiam at 4:54 AM on March 7, 2010
Hi all! I'm in Cardiff, excited about the first of 3 UK meetups here! Who's still in for tomorrow (9 March), at/in front of Salt at 12:30? Or just show up; I'll be there!
Secretly hoping there's some MeFites down for a walk and/or pub adventure after lunch, too. Any takers?
Also, Cardiff is AMAZING. Unless York is made of chocolate and cheese, this is my new home.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:17 AM on March 8, 2010
Secretly hoping there's some MeFites down for a walk and/or pub adventure after lunch, too. Any takers?
Also, Cardiff is AMAZING. Unless York is made of chocolate and cheese, this is my new home.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:17 AM on March 8, 2010
Dinna ken if you'll get this before 12:30, but I'm still planning on turning up.
posted by Dim Siawns at 1:48 AM on March 9, 2010
posted by Dim Siawns at 1:48 AM on March 9, 2010
Cheers iamkimiam & misteraitch for a fun time! Hopefully we'll see you about here again, and maybe we can rope in some more MetaSouthWalians for the next one.
posted by Dim Siawns at 12:56 AM on March 10, 2010
posted by Dim Siawns at 12:56 AM on March 10, 2010
I have some time off and a need for some fresh air, so I'll be coming along tomorrow at 2pm.
posted by Electric Dragon at 4:31 AM on March 10, 2010
posted by Electric Dragon at 4:31 AM on March 10, 2010
In case any Londoners are following this thread.
Details on the March 13 London meetup here!
posted by vacapinta at 10:58 AM on March 10, 2010
Details on the March 13 London meetup here!
posted by vacapinta at 10:58 AM on March 10, 2010
Still on target for this evening in the pub, though work + trains + the walk from the station means I'll be a little late, more towards 6 than 5.30. Thank the lord for Electric Dragon being there so I don't have to do the old 'nervous drinking while scanning the room looking for internet strangers' thing ...
posted by thoughtless at 3:55 AM on March 11, 2010
posted by thoughtless at 3:55 AM on March 11, 2010
Woot! Great evening. You're all good people. We rock.
posted by hydatius at 2:59 PM on March 11, 2010
posted by hydatius at 2:59 PM on March 11, 2010
> We rock.
Especially tour guide Sova, and guest of honour iamkimiam (good luck tomorrow, both of you!)
posted by Electric Dragon at 5:41 PM on March 11, 2010
Especially tour guide Sova, and guest of honour iamkimiam (good luck tomorrow, both of you!)
posted by Electric Dragon at 5:41 PM on March 11, 2010
Thirding the greatness and the good luck for interviews etc. today. I think the north has firmly staked its claim to be the best place to do a PhD.
And ED, suggest you get in touch with the train people and let them know it's not ridiculous to want to get home on a thursday night without it taking UNTIL THE END OF TIME.
posted by thoughtless at 3:04 AM on March 12, 2010
And ED, suggest you get in touch with the train people and let them know it's not ridiculous to want to get home on a thursday night without it taking UNTIL THE END OF TIME.
posted by thoughtless at 3:04 AM on March 12, 2010
Fortunately the train got in at 0035 rather than the advertised 0054 (although I feel sorry for anyone actually going on to the airport thus having to hang around for nearly 20 minutes).
posted by Electric Dragon at 3:53 AM on March 12, 2010
posted by Electric Dragon at 3:53 AM on March 12, 2010
Oh my. Are you kidding me??
(See, this is my SF Bay Area bar scene influence rubbing off on you. Before too long, you'll be saying things like, "Yeah, let's meet at the pub around 9pm, 10ish, we'll have a few, then catch the morning train!"
And if we're all really lucky, breakfast with MeFites.)
I'm really sorry you all got troubles getting home. Please don't think less of me and I hope this doesn't effect any of our marriage plans. But more importantly... (cuing hydatius to drop in with his line...)
posted by iamkimiam at 11:33 PM on March 12, 2010
(See, this is my SF Bay Area bar scene influence rubbing off on you. Before too long, you'll be saying things like, "Yeah, let's meet at the pub around 9pm, 10ish, we'll have a few, then catch the morning train!"
And if we're all really lucky, breakfast with MeFites.)
I'm really sorry you all got troubles getting home. Please don't think less of me and I hope this doesn't effect any of our marriage plans. But more importantly... (cuing hydatius to drop in with his line...)
posted by iamkimiam at 11:33 PM on March 12, 2010
....yes, but what does all of the have to do with cheese?
posted by hydatius at 1:04 AM on March 13, 2010
posted by hydatius at 1:04 AM on March 13, 2010
I've put some more fotos up for the York meetup, in case anybody was still checking.
posted by Sova at 7:33 PM on March 22, 2010
posted by Sova at 7:33 PM on March 22, 2010
Oh sweet jesus I need to work on my photo face
posted by thoughtless at 4:31 AM on March 23, 2010
posted by thoughtless at 4:31 AM on March 23, 2010
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posted by Helga-woo at 2:57 AM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]